5 Steps to Understand Cat Food Ingredients - Quick Guid

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their primary source of energy comes from protein. In a highquality cat food, the most dominant ingredient should be meat, with the following hierarchy:

1. Fresh meat is the best choice, and specifying the specific cut is even better. (Fresh meat refers to meat that has not been processed in any way except for refrigeration.)

2. Dehydrated meat is the next best option.

3. Meat meal is generally less desirable.

4. Including a moderate amount (about 10%) of animal organs is beneficial, as they can provide the necessary fats and taurine that cats require. (Chicken hearts and chicken livers, which are primarily muscle, are generally not considered organs.)

It's best to avoid controversial ingredients:

1. Grains (wheat, rice, corn, soybeans, etc.)

Grains are often used in dry food to aid in expansion. While they provide carbohydrates and sugars, which can lead to obesity in cats, they also contain gluten that can cause digestive issues and allergies.

2. Potatoes, cassava, and peas, which are high in carbohydrates and sugars

Many cat foods may not contain grains but still use these alternatives to help bind and expand dry food, as well as to boost the protein content and make the nutritional profile look more appealing. However, these ingredients are typically high in carbohydrates and sugars.

3. Vegetable oils

Vegetable oils are used to enhance the nutritional profile of the food.

4. Montmorillonite/Montmorillonite clay

Montmorillonite is used for its antibacterial and antidiarrheal properties, though it is controversial. Some brands, like Beneful canned food, use this ingredient.

5. Fruits and vegetables

Cats are meateaters and do not consume fruits or vegetables. However, whether the fiber in fruits and vegetables can aid in cat digestion is a topic of debate. Some cat shelters believe that cooked pumpkins can be a good treatment for diarrhea in cats. However, cats cannot absorb or convert betacarotene from carrots (which humans can do).

6. Beet, beet seed, and beetroot

These ingredients help bind and expand dry food, but they are high in sugar.

7. Carrageenan, guar gum, and xanthan gum

These are thickeners in wet food that make the food look more appealing with a thicker, more soupy texture.

Ingredients to avoid:

1. BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin

These are artificial preservatives that pose a cancer risk if consumed over a long period.

2. Propylene glycol

This is an antifreeze and desiccant that can damage a cat's internal organs and cause anemia.

3. Sodium nitrite

This is a carcinogen.

4. Vitamin K3

This is a synthetic vitamin that is easily carcinogenic.

5. Attractants and flavor enhancers

These substances have an appealing taste that makes cats want to eat, but they can lead to overeating dependencies. The worst attractants are those that are purely synthetic, while those derived from liver or fish are slightly better.

加分内容 (Bonus Content):

1. Taurine

Taurine is essential for cats.

2. Fish oil

Good fish oil is rich in omega3 and omega6 fatty acids.

3. Vitamins

Vitamin E, B vitamins, and others